The players Chelsea must keep hold of despite Champions League exit

James Shearman

• Updated: 13 Apr 2022 15:20 CDT
• 4 min read

Chelsea's performance against Real Madrid on Tuesday night will go down as one of the greatest in the club's history.

The Blues may have lost the tie, 5-4 on aggregate, but the performance at the Santiago Bernabeu was something special.

Thomas Tuchel's side lack the consistency to challenge for the Premier League title, but they proved once again that they are able to beat anyone on their day.

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The German boss derived a fantastic game plan that was executed by a number of key players that deserve to be a part of the club's long-term future.

So, here are the 5 players that Chelsea must keep hold of in the next transfer window.

Antonio Rudiger

Antonio Rudiger's leveler stands out, but his defensive effort was excellent on Tuesday night.

The 29-year-old kept Ballon d'Or favourite Karim Benzema quiet for 95 minutes and would have kept a clean sheet in normal time had it not been for an outrageous Luka Modric assist.

Rudiger is by far the most valuable centre-back at the club and it is imperative that he is signed to a long-term deal.

Reece James

Reece James has put in world-class displays in a back three, as a traditional full-back and as a wing-back.

The unassuming 22-year-old is a already a star on the same level as Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold - contrary to popular belief.

Chelsea are lucky to have him under contract for another three seasons after this one.

Mateo Kovacic

Third in line, behind N'Golo Kante and Jorginho, for much of his Chelsea career, Mateo Kovacic is now the most important midfielder at the west London club.

In fact, the four-time Champions League winner's ability to dribble his way out of trouble is comparable to the great Eden Hazard.

He is sorely missed in his absence from the team and it is now time to look for the man to partner him for the next five or more years.

Mason Mount

Mason Mount is the embodiment of why fans love to see a homegrown talent succeed at their club.

The 23-year-old has obvious natural talent but hasn't let that stop him from working as hard as anyone on and off the pitch.

And, if he continues to add more goals and assists to his game, it won't be long before he is recognised as a Chelsea great.

Kai Havertz

Kai Havertz's Champions League-winning goal has been well-documented, but he has developed a knack for scoring in big games beyond that one.

The German has developed into an excellent striker over the past year, highlighted by his headed finish past Thibaut Courtois in the first leg at Stamford Bridge.

The 22-year-old has the potential to be mentioned alongside the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland in years to come.